How Digital Technologies Affect Sustainable Agriculture
Last month, during the Partnering for Green Growth (P4G) Summit held in Hanoi, experts discussed the impacts of digital technology in agriculture. Donal Brown, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Development at IFAD, stressed the role that these technologies can play in aiding sustainability. Technological inventions nowadays focus more on providing assistance to farmers and protecting the environment than simply advancing innovation for the sake of it.
Resource Use Efficiency Through Precision Agriculture
The concept of precision agriculture employs one of the most transformative digital technologies. AI, sensors, other data-driven instruments, and weather/prediction technologies work collaboratively for farmers to remotely monitor the status of soil and crops.
This ability enhances the decision-making processes related to water, fertilizers, and energy so that resources are not wasted. Moreover, GPS and soil sensor technology allow farmers to increase yields while using less of the earth’s dwindling resources. Agricultural innovations are required to sharpen operational efficiencies, which will help in responsibly answering the global food demand.
Biotechnology’s Role in Climate Action
In combination with AI and digital technologies, biotechnology has made and continues to make great advancements in developing climate-resilient agriculture. Biotechnology helps maintain food security associated with climate change by ensuring crops can be produced and withstand extreme weather, such as droughts and floods.
Moreover, digitalized farming systems assist smart management of water and soil, enabling farmers to minimize wastage and conserve resources. Farming practices that are climate-smart, like improved wet and dry rice farming, also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. All these technologies combined set the groundwork towards sustainability in agriculture.
Green Agricultural Transition in Vietnam
Vietnam is known to be one of the countries that are rapidly adopting innovative technologies in agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has set out an overarching goal for the long-term strategy to steer the farming sector towards verdant, intelligent, and more sustainable practices.
This shift is backed by national frameworks and strategic documents that seek to advance the agriculture sector over the coming ten years. Primary stakeholders in this endeavor include private enterprises such as Tan Long Group, Vinamilk, VinEco, TH Group, and HAGL Agrico, which are champions of the application of modern technological systems in agricultural production.
Tan Long Group’s Tech Integration
Tan Long Group is at the forefront of digitizing agricultural technologies for more optimized operations. From Tan Long’s perspective, they are currently looking into AI and ML techniques to assess video data from cameras and sensors, which helps the company evaluate animal health, early disease detection, and optimize feeding conditions.
Furthermore, the group incorporates GPS and soil sensors aimed at improving farming practices and increasing crop production. Incorporation of such digital technologies into their operations helps enhance efficiency and progress toward sustainable agricultural practices.
International Partnerships Driving Change
Vietnam’s transformation in agriculture is being aided by international partnerships, and Ireland is one of the notable collaborators. Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, Ireland’s ambassador to Vietnam, remarked on the potential collaboration in implementing sustainable agricultural modes. Together with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ireland initiated an AI-based monitoring and evaluation system for implementation.
Such a system allows farmers to manage soil and water effectively, optimizing both resource use and yield. Other innovative projects that Ireland takes part in include the conversion of coffee waste into sustainable microproteins, showcasing circular solutions to agricultural economies.
Concerns and the Progression Ahead
Integrating digital technologies with agriculture has advanced, but smallholder farmers face unique challenges. Many lack access to sophisticated technology because of the high cost and poor infrastructure. Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy recognizes these hurdles but states that barriers are meant to be overcome through innovation.
He called upon countries, international organizations, businesses, and farmers to collectively leap forward in the transformation of agriculture. According to Duy, modern science and technology need to be embraced in agriculture in the sector to accomplish its sustainability goals.
Enhanced Efficiency and a Prosperous Environment
Results from the application of new technologies in agriculture are being seen in precision farming, biotechnology, and climate-smart agriculture, which progress towards sustainability. Such proactive nations as Vietnam are adopting these technologies, and the international community is helping transform things at an accelerated pace.
For these technologies to reach their full potential, however, smallholder farmers need to be empowered to access the necessary tools. If this collaborative spirit continues, agriculture presents a prosperous outlook while remaining environmentally resilient.
